How to Pack a Shoebox

Shoebox

Use an empty cardboard or plastic shoebox (average size). You can wrap the box, lid separately, but wrapping is not required.

Boy or Girl

Decide whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Download and print the appropriate boy/girl label. Mark the correct age category and tape the label to the top of your box.

Fill With Gifts

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child (see Gift Suggestions below).

Include $7 Donation Per Box

Help cover shipping and other costs related to delivering your shoeboxes to children overseas by donating $7 for each gift you prepare. You can give online to discover the destination of your box. Or, you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on the memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the items inside your shoebox. If you are preparing multiple gifts, please make one combined donation. Note: Follow Your Box is only available through online giving.

Pray

Ask God to use your gifts to show His love to the child who will receive your shoebox.

Drop Off

Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and bring it to the drop-off location nearest you during National Collection Week, November 16–23, 2015. Visit our Drop-off Locations page to find the closest collection site. Or, call 1-800-353-5949.

Quick Tools

Instructions & Labels

Includes large-print instructions, gift suggestions, and labels.Download Now

Need More Labels?

A full page of printer-friendly boy/girl labels for multiple shoebox gifts.Download Now

Need Boxes for a Large Group?

You can order pre-printed boxes in sets of 100 for a suggested donation.Order Now

Gift Suggestions

Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.

A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.

Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children's lives all over the world in Jesus' Name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.

Each year, Samaritan's Purse delivers millions of gift-filled shoe boxes to boys and girls all over the world. A gift to Operation Christmas Child helps cover processing and shipping expenses and allows our teams to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with children and their families.